Lassa Fever: A Mini Review of Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment
Ubogun Ogheneakpobor Efe *
Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Efeisi Oreva Edward
Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Adigwe Augustina Chinaza
Zaporozhye State Medical University, Ukraine.
Okobah Chidinma Emmanuella
Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Ntugba Joy Chidinma
Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is an enveloped single stranded RNA virus that results in Lassa fever (LF). The causative organism belongs to the Arenavirus genus. Since it's initial diagnosis in 1969 in Lassa town Nigeria, numerous endemic outbreaks have occurred with spread to other regions in Africa and beyond. LF is transmitted via rodent to human and human-to-human transmissions, with rodents being the reservoir of infection. Risk factors for the disease include residing in an endemic area with poor sanitation and overcrowding, close contact with infected individuals and being a health care worker. About 80% of infected patients do not develop symptoms but the remaining develop a multisystem disease, where up to 15% die in-hospital care with its hallmark symptom being bleeding especially from body orifices. This review will introduce a general overview of Lassa fever and describe the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of Lassa fever patients. It will also provide a means to raise awareness among healthcare workers. Furthermore, our review focuses on the most up-to-date clinical information for the effective management, prevention and counseling of Lassa fever patients.
Keywords: RNA virus, lassa fever, lipid membrane mammarenaviridae, viral hemorrhagic fever